GLASSBORO — As people in the Philippines continue to struggle after a massive typhoon hit their nation, killing thousands and leaving millions homeless, The Rowan Television Network wants to make a difference in the country.

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, RTN will broadcast the “Philippine Benefit Special: Typhoon Haiyan Relief” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The benefit will air on Rowan’s Channel 5, as well as stream live around the world.

Super Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines in early November, and according to a release sent Tuesday, many are still unaware of the devastation caused by this disaster.

Completely student led, the benefit special will be a live production featuring interviews, musical acts and videos, much of which CBS provided. Students hope to raise money, the goal is $1,000, and awareness for the typhoon, according to a release sent Tuesday. All proceeds from the benefit will go to Waves for Water’s relief project.

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Hamilton native Erin Maglietta, a junior RTF major with a minor in anthropology and a concentration in new media communication, will be performing music at the show as well. On her YouTube page, Maglietta has covered some Ingrid Michaelson songs.

The benefit special was conceived by juniors Josh Hersch and Joe Ponisi, both of whom are radio/television/film majors, and the event’s producers.

“I saw a sign hanging up in the RTN office about the tragedy in the Philippines,” said Hersch, a native of Flemington, “I was surprised I hadn’t heard about it before. When I looked it up online, I was shocked. It wasn’t like the tsunami in Japan a few years back. It seemed like nobody really had any idea of what was going on. So, I knew this was an opportunity for our club to really make a difference.”

Students and viewers will be able to live tweet during the event using the hash tags #RTNHaiyanRelief and #RowanProud.

Headlining musical guests will be Nalani and Sarina Bolton of Flemington, a twin pop music act with a strong following throughout New Jersey and other parts of the tri-state area, according to the release.

While donations will be accepted online, phone bank operators will be standing by to accept pledges during the broadcast at (856) 347-0786.

About the Author

Megan Goldschmidt is the Hamilton, Princeton, and Robbinsville beat reporter for the Trentonian. She recently launched her career in the journalism industry after graduating from Ithaca College, and enjoys learning about different areas and industries with every new story she writes. Reach the author at mgoldschmidt@trentonian.com
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